Climate change is no longer something happening far away or far into the future. It is already affecting where people work, how they work, and how safe they feel at work. Around the world, more than one billion workers face high heat episodes each year. Nearly a third of them experience health problems because of it. As temperatures continue to rise, the workplace is quickly becoming one of the most vulnerable areas touched by the changing climate.
Extreme heat turns ordinary jobs dangerous
For millions of workers, especially those who work outdoors or in hot indoor environments, extreme heat has become a silent but serious threat. In recent years, Europe has faced record-breaking temperatures, severe droughts, and large wildfires. Heatwaves across the continent led to thousands of extra deaths. Many people who were simply doing their daily jobs found themselves in life-threatening conditions.
During the summer, heat in many European cities soared past safe working limits. Street cleaners, builders, delivery workers, farm workers, and waste collectors struggled to cope with the intense heat. Some collapsed from exhaustion. Others developed heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, and heatstroke. These conditions can strike quickly, especially when workers spend long hours in high temperatures without proper rest, shade, or water.
Extreme heat is being described as a form of “workplace violence” because it puts workers in danger even when they are doing everything right. In many cities, public concern has grown. People are now demanding stronger protections for workers who must spend hours in the sun or in hot indoor areas like factories and warehouses.
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In response, some local governments have started enforcing new rules for outdoor work. These rules may include breathable uniforms, wide-brimmed hats, sun protection, regular water breaks, and limits on working hours during the hottest parts of the day. Some places have also said that outdoor work should stop completely when temperatures hit dangerous levels. These changes show how urgently workplaces must adapt as heatwaves become more frequent.
Heat risks are rising inside and outside workplaces
A global report from International SOS highlights that extreme heat is now one of the most serious climate-related risks to workplaces. It explains that old ways of checking temperature are no longer enough. Many employers still rely only on air temperature, but this measurement does not capture humidity, wind, or direct sunlight. These factors can make heat feel much worse and put workers in greater danger even when air temperatures appear moderate.
Experts say that companies will need stronger heat policies. These policies should guide when workers must rest, when outdoor work should pause, and how indoor spaces must be cooled. The report also warns that changes in work timings could create new risks. For example, shifting farm or construction work to nighttime might reduce heat exposure but create visibility problems. Glare from floodlights or poor lighting can increase the chance of injuries.
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Extreme heat also harms productivity. The World Meteorological Organization has found that for every degree above 20°C, worker productivity drops by two to three percent. This means that jobs take longer, mistakes increase, and workers become more tired. Heat also affects the human body. A normal body temperature sits between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. During heavy work, if a person’s body temperature goes above 38°C, they may struggle to stay alert and focused.
Many industries, such as agriculture, construction, transport, and manufacturing, are particularly vulnerable. When workers lose strength or speed due to heat, entire supply chains feel the impact. Crops may be lost, buildings take longer to finish, and deliveries slow down. Countries with already limited resources face the greatest difficulties, and experts say that the hardest effects will fall on low-income nations where many people work outdoors.
Climate change is affecting mental health in the workplace
Climate change is not only affecting physical health. It is also influencing how workers feel, behave, and make decisions. Researchers have been studying the link between extreme weather and mental health, and the results are becoming clearer.
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During long heatwaves, people often feel more stressed, tired, and irritated. Hot environments make it harder to concentrate. Workers may feel overwhelmed or anxious, especially when they worry about their safety. Those who work in climate-related fields may feel pressure to keep working through extreme conditions, even when it affects their well-being.
A study in Occupational Medicine found that extreme events such as heatwaves, storms, or wildfires can increase job tension. Workers may think about quitting more often. Some may feel frustration toward co-workers or supervisors. Stress caused by extreme weather can affect a person’s ability to make good decisions, which is risky in jobs that require attention or precision.
The study also warns that people who constantly deal with environmental challenges may feel the need to overwork themselves. They may push harder, skip breaks, or take on too many duties because they feel responsible for dealing with climate pressures. Over time, this can harm both mental and physical health.
Workplaces around the world have started noticing these changes. Many employers now understand that heat, stress, and climate-related worries can shape worker behavior. While physical protection like shade and water is important, emotional support is also becoming critical. Workers need safe spaces, clear guidelines, and understanding supervisors who recognize the mental strain caused by extreme weather.
Climate change is shaping the way people work in almost every country. From heat illness to reduced productivity and rising stress levels, its impact on the workplace is growing each year. As temperatures continue to rise, experts say that protecting workers will require stronger rules, better planning, and greater attention to both physical and mental health.
